A new super-black wood-based material called Nxylon has been developed, absorbing over 99 percent of the light that hits it. The discovery of this material was accidental, with researchers at the University of British Columbia working on water-repelling technologies for wood using high-energy plasma gas. The application of the gas turned the ends of wood
Science
Recent studies from the University of Plymouth and Edge Hill University in the UK have shed light on the potential reasons why individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to enjoy board games more than the general population. While board game enthusiasts are more prevalent among those with ASD, data shows that the structured nature
The recent excavation of a 2,500-year-old graveyard site in Norway has unearthed a collection of graves containing the remains of children under the age of six. A total of 39 individual bodies were discovered, along with two graves containing adult bodies. This finding has sparked curiosity among archaeologists and historians alike, as they try to
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a significant increase in the number of older adults being diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. While these infections are often associated with younger age groups, the rates in older adults have been rising steadily over the
The field of artificial intelligence has long been met with skepticism when it comes to storytelling and filmmaking, but recent research suggests that AI may have found a genuine and useful application in the realm of science. A groundbreaking study conducted by a team from the University of Cambridge in the UK has revealed that
For nearly a century, scientists have been aware of single-celled organisms capable of emitting methane gas into the environment. These microorganisms, known as methanogens, have long been associated with the superphylum Euryarchaeota within the Archaea kingdom. However, recent discoveries have revealed the existence of methane-producing microbes outside of this well-known group. Researchers have identified new
A recent study has shed new light on the benefits of extreme exercise, particularly for professional athletes. The analysis, which was published in May, looked at data from the first 200 people to run a mile in under 4 minutes back in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. Surprisingly, the study found that these professional runners
The field of Alzheimer’s research is constantly evolving, with scientists continuously seeking new and innovative ways to detect the disease at its earliest stages. One recent breakthrough comes from researchers at Lund University in Sweden, who have identified a clinically available blood test that can supplement current diagnostic methods for Alzheimer’s disease. This test offers
The discovery of ancient viral remnants within the DNA of a single-celled organism has opened up new possibilities in understanding the role viruses have played in the evolution of complex organisms. This groundbreaking research, led by evolutionary biologist Alex de Mendoza Soler from Queen Mary University of London, sheds light on the potential impact of
When viruses invade our bodies, they sometimes leave traces of their genetic material behind. These fragments of foreign DNA can remain dormant in our genomes, being passed down from generation to generation. While previously believed to be inactive, recent research has shown that these remnants of ancient viruses can be reactivated, leading to various disruptions